Diageo raises dividend on Asia, Africa prospects

LONDON – The world’s biggest spirits group, Diageo Plc, increased its payout to shareholders, confident that buoyant demand for whisky and spirits in Asia and Africa would help it hit medium-term targets.

The Johnnie Walker whisky and Smirnoff vodka maker on Thursday said it was raising its full-year dividend by 8 percent to 43.5 pence per share, after an increase in sales and profit driven by emerging markets.

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